Food banks are getting some much needed assistance

The Department of Social Services says it will divide 1.5 million dollars among Missouri’s six regional food banks. The money is part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Acting Director Jennifer Tidball tells News Talk KZRG that the funding will help food banks serve pantries, domestic violence shelters, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other meal sites.

“Food banks and food pantries continue to see an increase in the number of Missourians seeking assistance,” says Tidball. “Shelf-stable food items are in high-demand. This funding will assist more than 1,000 feeding sites with meeting basic food needs.”

Scott Baker, the State Director of nonprofit Feeding Missouri, says the need for emergency food is surging. Unfortunately, at the same time donations are declining. Baker says more food must be purchased, and the increasing demand is forcing prices to skyrocket.